Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
04/29/1937
DIED
09/26/2012
FUNERAL HOME
James FRANCIS Obituary
FRANCIS, James Noel
Jim Frances passed away in the early morning of September 26, 2012 at his home in the Newport, Washington area. Cause of death was lung cancer. Jim was born April 29, 1937 at Whitehall, Madison County, Montana to Donald and Clara (Sausman) Francis. From age five, he spent his summers on the horse ranch owned by his Uncle Fred Shoemaker in the Larb Hills of the Missouri River Breaks south of Malta, MT. He learned to ride, train and care for horses at an early age. He joined the Navy at the age of 15, often serving on submarines and was discharged in 1955. As a young man, he rode bareback and clowned in rodeos all over Montana and in Canada winning several awards. He retired from Ironwork that included work on the Alaska Pipeline. After retirement, he spent his summers in Newport, WA and his winters in Arizona with other cowboys and his horses practicing and competing calf-roping.
He is survived by two sons: Donald Jerome Francis and Terrence James Francis; one sister: Ruby Alice Hornbeck; one brother: Michael Joseph Francis. He has three grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Johnson) Francis, 1983; one daughter Tammy Jo Francis and one son Jesse Allen Francis.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home, 423 W. 2nd Street, Newport, WA on Friday, October 5th, at 2:00 pm. Jim's body will be cremated and his ashes scattered in the Larb Hills of Phillips County, Montana. at his request.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James FRANCIS
Alice Hornbeck
October 18, 2012
Thanks to all who signed in here. I made a mistake in the Great Falls trib. Obit. Jim was practicing all kinds of roping including steer in his retirement years. I wish I could have spoken more about his childhood at his memorial setvice. Also wish I could have all those stories he and friends told on tape. To let you know, he gave one horse away before he died so it would have a good home and the other was purchased back by it's original owner. Hi to Ms LaFranz who knew Jim when he was 13 and 14 yrs. old. Hello and thanks to all of you. to all of you. His Sis
Dave S
October 13, 2012
After more than 30 years around those tables, you'll be surely missed by your other family, as well.
Barbara Lafrantz
October 13, 2012
I knew Jimmy for many years here in Montana. We met in Chinook and I took him out to Cleveland where I lived. In later years we both rode for Miller Bros and then even later met around Great Falls.We were friends for many years. God Bless Jimmy and God willing he will meet Merle, Duane, and Brickie at the big round up in the sky.
October 10, 2012
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of James N. Francis for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.
Esther Phillips
October 5, 2012
Jimmy was one nicest guys in the group of cowboys rodeoing at the same time as my husband, Jimmie Phillips. I always liked him.
October 5, 2012
My heartfelt condolence goes out to Mike and all of Jimmy's family. As a Cowboy, Ironworker and a friend, he was the best.Johnny Monahan, Kelso, WA
October 4, 2012
We want to let you know your family is in our prayers. Jimmy was a great friend and rodeo competitor. We had alot of fun on the rodeo trail.
The lasst few times we saw eachother was at anothers funeral. The bunch of us would sit around and swap rodeo stories. We had great laughs.
Stuart Day
September 30, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in James FRANCIS's name
Memorial Events
for James FRANCIS
Funeral services provided by:
Sherman-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Services423 W. 2nd Street PO Box 809, Newport, WA 99156
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James FRANCIS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
